Grammy Award winning composer Lalo Schifrin at his studio in Beverly Hills, 2006. (AP Photo)
Lalo Schifrin, the legendary composer of the “Mission: Impossible” theme and scores for over 100 films and shows, passed away at the age of 93. He died peacefully at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by family, due to complications from pneumonia. His son Ryan confirmed the news on Thursday.
The Sound of Cinema, Forever Etched
Schifrin’s music wasn’t just background—it was the heartbeat of the story. From “Cool Hand Luke” to “The Amityville Horror,” his soundtracks elevated every frame. He received six Oscar nominations and won four Grammy Awards throughout his career.
To him, every film was a living entity. “There are no rules to write music for movies,” he said in a 2018 interview. “The movie dictates what the music will be.”
A Theme That Lit a Fuse
Of all his contributions, none resonated like the Mission: Impossible theme. Written in 5/4 time, it was electric—both in rhythm and impact. That pulsing “Dum-dum DUM DUM” beat launched every episode of the original 1966 TV series and has since remained an unshakable part of pop culture.
Originally meant for an action scene, the piece was repurposed as the show’s theme after series creator Bruce Geller was captivated by its urgency and style.
Passed from Legends to Legends
The theme survived decades and creative transitions. When director Brian De Palma brought the series to the big screen, he insisted on keeping Schifrin’s music. Composer John Williams wanted a new theme but was replaced by Danny Elfman, who honored the original.
Hans Zimmer, Michael Giacchino, and others followed suit. Giacchino even met Schifrin before taking on the task, likening the meeting to “asking a father to marry his daughter.” Schifrin simply told him: “Just have fun with it.”
The theme later entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017. U2’s Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. reworked it for the 1996 movie, earning a Grammy nod and Billboard success.
Composer Lalo Schifrin, left, rehearses with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta's direction for the world premiere of his 'Pulsations' in Los Angeles on Jan. 27, 1971. (AP Photo)
A Musical Life Across Borders
Born in Buenos Aires to a musical family, Boris Claudio Schifrin was steeped in classical music early on. He studied under Olivier Messiaen in Paris, then returned to Argentina, where his band caught the attention of jazz icon Dizzy Gillespie. Schifrin joined Gillespie’s quintet, eventually moving to the U.S.
He would go on to collaborate with legends like Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Stan Getz. His works spanned classical, jazz, and film—earning him accolades from both the Academy and the Latin Recording Academy.
Lalo Schifrin Beyond Hollywood
Schifrin’s creativity extended far beyond cinema. He wrote the finale for the 1990 World Cup, where the Three Tenors sang together for the first time. He composed for the Pan American Games, conducted world-class orchestras, and even created operatic work in the Nahuatl language.
His Argentine roots shone in works like Letters from Argentina, blending tango, folk, and classical. That 2006 album earned a Latin Grammy nomination.
A Lasting Echo
In a poetic moment, Clint Eastwood—who starred in several films scored by Schifrin—presented him with an honorary Oscar in 2018. “It is mission accomplished,” Schifrin said with a smile.
He is survived by his wife Donna, his sons Ryan and William, and his daughter Frances.
His music, however, continues to play on.
